The American punk band from Carlsbad, California, that released the 1977 single “I Hate the Rich” was The Dils.
The Dils were formed in Southern California and became known for combining concise punk songwriting with outspoken left-wing politics. Their debut single, “I Hate the Rich” backed with “You’re Not Blank,” appeared in 1977 on the Los Angeles label What? Records. The song’s title reflects the band’s blunt political style, which distinguished them from groups focused mainly on provocation, fashion, or nihilism.
The band’s core lineup included brothers Chip and Tony Kinman, who later pursued the country-influenced alternative project Blackbird. The Dils were sometimes nicknamed the “punk rock Everly Brothers” because of their melodic approach and the brothers’ vocal presence, despite their radical lyrics.
Readers sometimes confuse “I Hate the Rich” with “Class War,” another important Dils release from 1977. “Class War” appeared with “Mr. Big” on Dangerhouse Records and became a key document of the early Los Angeles punk scene. The Dils eventually dissolved in 1980 after opening for The Clash and playing their final show with Black Flag.